"That is kind of what people do Jake." I say in a duh, isn't it obvious way and he rolls his eyes, sitting up straighter. He places his hands behind his head, the muscles in his arms tensing. I tear my eyes away from him in fear that I'll start drooling and won't be able to stop.
It should be a skill to stay focused when an insanely attractive human being who smells divine is sitting inches away from you.
"You're not paying me." Jake says firmly and I narrow my eyes, shaking my head in disagreement.
"Of course I'm going to pay you, I can't stay here for free."
"Yes you can."
"No I don't want to."
"It's my house and I'm telling you I don't want any money. So I win." Jake smirks confidently.
"You're impossible, you know that?" I say but a smile spreads across my face and I look at him gratefully. He shrugs, brushing it off as if it's completely normal to offer me a room for free.
"Thank you."
He opens his mouth to respond but a furry creature jumps up onto the bed and heads straight for his lap. My eyes widen in surprise at the little white dog, laughing as it attacks Jake's face with licks of its pink tongue. He lets out a groan, bringing his hands up to protect his face.
"Oh my goodness, she's adorable!" I coo over her, patting my knees. She notices me and heads over, her tail wagging in glee. A small pink rhinestone collar covers her neck which only adds to her cuteness.
"This is Boe, she's my dog." Jake says, introducing us. I scratch the back of her ears and her tail begins to wag faster.
"I think I'm going to like it here, especially with this little beauty." I coo over her. She spins around a few times before settling herself in my lap.
"She's your dog?" I ask in disbelief, the surprise clear as day in my voice.
"Yeah, she's mine. I've had her since I was five." Jake chuckles. I smile back at him, my heart warming at his words.
"That's kind of adorable Jake." I say softly, stroking the little dog in my lap. I've always wanted a pet but Mum and Trevor wouldn't allow me to have one. Jake's smile quickly turned into a childish pout at my words.
"Don't call me adorable."
"Does it bruise your man pride?" I tease him and he rolls his eyes. "Definitely."
*****
I decide to come clean and explain everything to Ivory. Two tissue boxes and forty minutes later, I'm done. Ivory sniffles, pulling me into a bear hug.
"I can't believe everything you've been going through. You're so strong." She mutters, her eyes red with tears. I gently pull her away from me, giving her a reassuring smile.
"I feel like things are going to be better now." I explain, my eyes drifting over to Jake who's sat cross legged on the floor, Boe fast asleep in his lap. Ivory notices me staring at him and a triumphant smile stretches across her face. She jumps off the bed and heads for the door.
"Wait there!" She yells at me and I frown, wondering what she's up to. She disappears out of the room, leaving Jake and I alone.
"She's right you know." Jake says quietly, looking up at me. I swallow the emotional lump lodged in my throat —
"She's right about what?"
"You are strong."
I bite down on my bottom lip, a red tint covering my cheeks.
"Thank you." I reply, fidgeting with nerves from being under his intense stare. Ivory re-enters the room, causing me to blow out the breath I didn't realise I was holding.
"Here you go, these are yours!" She says excitedly, throwing a bunch of stuff down onto the bed. My eyes scanned over the toiletries and girl essentials and I smile, my heart bursting with love for her.
"You really didn't need to do this." I say, hugging her. She pulls back, shaking her head.
"Of course I did! This is going to be so exciting! It'll be like having a sister, I definitely need another girl around the house."
"I'm surprised you're still sane having to live under the same roof as Jake." I joke, getting a shocked gasp from Jake in return. Ivory giggles, agreeing with me before turning towards him.
"Is it a coincidence that Emily's room is right next door to yours?" She asks him, her tone suggestive. I feel my heart rate increase as I wait anxiously for his response —
"Not a coincidence." Jake shoots back instantly, a confident smirk on his face. I snap my head up to meet his blue eyes, butterflies exploding in my stomach.
"I'm welcome in here anytime, right Muffin?" Jake says, winking directly at me. I open my mouth to reply but I find the words unable to leave my throat. Ivory rolls her eyes, standing up and walking out the door —
"Just use condoms guys," she giggles over shoulders. My mouth falls open in shock and I feel my face burn bright red. I groan and slap a hand over my face to disguise my embarrassment.
"Ivory!" Jake warns her firmly before mouthing an apology my way. I give him a small smile in response, my cheeks burning up with flames. Jake's lips twitch upwards into a smirk at me before he spins around, glaring at Ivory.
"You have till the count of three before I chase you down and drop you head first out of the window." Jake threatens her, glancing down at his watch. Ivory gasps and narrows her eyes at him.
"You wouldn't," she hits back uneasily, her voice wavering. I can sense the nerves in her tone and let out a small giggle. Jake looks at her before tapping his watch —
"You know I would."
Ivory takes a second to consider her
